Metal wall panels
have become more popular in both commercial and residential construction, and it is easy to see why. They offer a multitude of design capabilities as well as sustainable insulation against weather and some disasters. They can be used for exterior and interior design, and come in several varieties. While they are used more often in commercial office and manufacturing buildings, you can find unique uses of these panels in residential homes and condos. More and more buildings are using metal in their construction.
If you are thinking about upgrading your home or office, or building a new one, you should consider using metal walls. Here are the top 10 reasons for using metal panels in your construction this year:
1. Appearance
Metal panels have a beautiful appearance for both exterior and interior applications. They have both shiny and matte finishes, and can be shaped and molded into a wide array of patterns. They can be made to look ultra-modern or vintage. While many of the panels are made of aluminum, you can order them to be made in several metal alloys for varied appearance and other benefits. Panels can be made into modular units or installed in sheets. You can even create a decorative accent wall with them.
2. Fireproof
Fire is always a risk in any building construction, especially when you consider the myriad of electrical devices that run throughout a building or home. Residential homes have heating and cooling systems, kitchen appliances, televisions and audio systems, gaming systems and computers. Commercial buildings have security systems and much larger computer systems than residential homes, and they may have manufacturing equipment as well. Metal walls can act as a barrier to fire to keep an active fire from spreading, and they also help keep the area cool in the case of too much heat. Containing a fire can mean the difference between saving or losing lives.
3. Rain Screen
Metal panels also act as a rain screen and water barrier, preventing water from entering a building from the outside, and from spreading from room to room in the interior. In climates that get a lot of rain, having a metal barrier can extend the life of the building by preventing mold and decay from destroying wood, plaster and other building materials. Mold and rot can creep into walls without a visible sign until the wall disintegrates and collapses.
4. Lower Energy Consumption
Because of the density of metal, it offers a reduction in energy consumption that lowers expenses for building owners. Metal walls are considered to be eco-friendly and sustainable building materials, and meet building regulations for sustainable materials. The cost savings from using metal walls are significant and positively impact costs for the life of the panels. Additionally, by using this construction, you are lowering your carbon footprint and the stress on the earth’s resources. This means that you can save money and the earth simultaneously.
5. Durability
Metal walls are extremely durable, and hold up well to regular wear and tear in the workplace. Since they are not flammable and water cannot hurt them, they are less likely to get damaged from weather-related issues. Their hardness may vary a bit depending on the metal used. However, they do not dent or ding readily and are easy to clean. They maintain their beauty without a lot of pampering and can be used in most commercial and residential settings.
6. High Impact
If you are in a location that gets a lot of traffic or if you are manufacturing items that may impact your walls, having high impact walls is important. High impact walls are less likely to get damaged when something hits them. For exterior walls, this can mean the difference between a dent and a wall collapse if a car drives into the building. For interior walls, impact may be an issue in a manufacturing facility or anywhere that contains a lot of volatile materials.
7. Insulation
Metal panels offer insulation from water, fire and wind as well as loss of heat during cold winter months. They can also be used to insulate cold storage facilities that require a low temperature for food storage. Insulation lowers the cost of energy use to keep a building heated or cooled for commercial or residential use. The U.S. Green Building Council recommends metal panels as a high-quality sustainable building material for architects and builders. They have several in-depth articles about using metal panels.
8. High Tech
Metal panels offer a high-tech style which gives an impression of an up-to-date and modern company. Metal can be formed into geometric configurations giving new construction a contemporary look. The ability to adapt these panels into such a wide variety of colors, textures and designs makes them work with most commercial or residential architectural designs, while retaining a modern, forward-thinking style. It is difficult to find a material better suited to construction design due to the versatility of metal. Architects and interior designers can work with metal walls easily in order to meet their unique design specifications.
9. Consistency
Metal panels offer a consistency of manufacturing that cannot be found in other materials. They stay flat when they are manufactured, and remain flat afterwards making them easier to install. They also retain their finish after manufacturing and throughout the installation process. Because they are consistent, installers find them easier to install and there is less repair after the fact, cutting down on labor hours for contractors.
10. Low Installation and Maintenance Costs
Besides the energy cost savings that metal panels offer once installed, they also save money on installation and maintenance. Panels can generally be installed more quickly than other materials such as brick, granite or precast. They are lighter in weight and do not need much support structure as heavier materials. They also do not need to be painted or coated because they maintain their sheen for decades once installed. Money is saved on the materials and labor for the support structure, and on future painting.